The two knitting groups on the University of Wisconsin campus, The Yarn Fellowship and the Ogg Crochet and Knitting Group, both expressed a fervent dedication to their craft and its ability to provide satisfactory, clean fun.

Both groups formed out of their founders’ desire to share time with others while doing needlework.

“This way you don’t have to just sit in your room and knit by yourself,” said UW sophomore Sara Hilgendorf, “You don’t feel like such an old lady.”

Entertained primarily via conversation, the Ogg Group’s discussion last week covered topics ranging from the latest Harry Potter movie, to studying, to knitting-related topics such as recommendations on stores from which to purchase yarn.

“It’s hard to talk about anything too serious if you’re playing with yarn,” said Ogg Group founder Ann Hoffman-Gonzalez.

Gonzalez founded the group this year and said she found “an interest that I didn’t know would be there.” Eight to 10 people have been showing up in the Ogg Fireside regularly for the Wednesday evening meetings since the group was established.

The Yarn Fellowship, which began after founder Lauren Budden’s summer back injury stirred her to take up the craft, spread when she brought her hobby with her to the UW. While getting the word out has been slow, they have still managed to draw four or five regulars to their Friday afternoon meetings at Budden’s apartment.

Members said they find the meetings to be a fun, informational and welcome relief from the pressures of school, said sophomore Jessica Crombie.

“It’s really relaxing and addicting,” she said. “I’ve made three scarves in the last week.”

Sophomore Mackenzie Blake concurred, saying she has been staying in on weekends to finish her projects after too many harsh nights spent over a wastebasket.

“You’re not going to be spending any nights with wastebaskets when you’re up knitting,” said Crombie.

Members said the Yarn Fellowship provides an alternative to boozing by going out to dinner or doing other activities after their weekly Friday meeting.

Budden said, “It’s so much cheaper than drinking, and you get something to show for it.”

The members have a lot to show, too. They make everything from sweaters to necklaces to “crazy purses.” Sophomore Colleen Nielsen was inspired by a scarf she saw at Urban Outfitters, and she is now attempting to knit a similar one.

“Because you don’t charge yourself for labor, this hat cost $3, and this scarf cost $5.50,” said Hoffman-Gonzalez.

Yarn is bought in balls, skeins or hanks. Skeins are cylindrical rolls of yarn, and hanks are loops of yarn, typically found at venues like the Farmer’s Market.

A skein can cost anywhere from $2 to $30, but Hoffman Gonzalez and Budden explained it depends on whether the yarn is acrylic or real wool, hand dyed or not, cashmere or some other fabric.

The same yarn is used for both crocheting and knitting. Many of the girls expressed a preference for crocheting over knitting, because it only uses one needle and is faster. However, all girls said they remain open to the idea of learning new techniques.

“My roommate looks at me really weird when I do knitting,” said Barbara Kane.

Budden joked they should change their name to the “Future Grandmas of America.”

Members said they have received many requests for sweaters, hats and boxers from friends, family and fellow Ogg residents.